Insights from the BHBIA Sustainability in the Pharma Industry virtual event

When people talk about carbon emissions, sectors like oil and gas, steel and aviation usually top the list of the biggest contributors. Pharma is rarely mentioned in the same breath, yet our industry’s carbon footprint is on the same scale as Russia’s.

This was the striking fact that opened the BHBIA’s sustainability event on 4^th September 2025.. It set the tone for a discussion that highlighted both the scale of the challenge and the opportunities for change. The conversation explored what it will take for pharma to reach Net Zero, where progress is visible, and why business insights professionals have a vital role to play.

Here are some of the key themes and takeaways discussed:

The scale of our responsibility 

Framing our footprint in the context of a major economy shows that our industry cannot ignore its influence. Sustainability is fast becoming a key measure of performance, with regulators, investors and patients alike watching how pharma balances pioneering medical advances with environmental accountability. It is already shaping how value is defined and how organisations are judged

The challenge of Scope 3 emissions

The biggest share of emissions comes from outside pharmaceutical companies themselves, in their supply chains and outsourced services. This makes agencies and partners an integral part of the Net Zero conversation. Real change will depend on openness, data sharing and aligned accountability across the full value chain, which is why agency members must consider how their work contributes to clients’ sustainability goals.

Collaboration is essential

No company can achieve Net Zero alone. Progress will depend on strong partnerships across pharma firms, agencies, data providers and logistics partners. For members of the BHBIA this means embedding sustainability into how research projects are designed, commissioned and delivered, as clients now define value through the lens of environmental responsibility.

Momentum is building but progress is patchy

It is encouraging to see Net Zero targets being set, new approaches to packaging and logistics being trialled and agencies pursuing sustainability certifications. Yet the pace of change still lags behind the urgency demanded by the climate context. Bold steps are needed and agencies that can show credible sustainability strategies will be well-positioned.

Business insights professionals can drive the change

Our strength lies in data, measurement and actionable evidence. We can support Net Zero by helping organisations track emissions, evaluate the impact of initiatives and embed sustainability metrics into how success is measured. It is within our power to turn intention into measurable action and lead the way, ensuring that sustainability becomes part of how insights are valued and partnerships are formed.

With thanks to the BHBIA Sustainability Committee for bringing the event together and our speakers:

• Koen Union, Global Head of Market Research - UCB
• Anja Møller Asgaard, Senior Project Manager - H. Lundbeck A/S
• Darren Smith, Global Procurement - Astellas
• Guy Pascoe, Director - Purdie Pascoe
• Gemma Williams, Business Services Executive – CSL CompuFile Systems Ltd
• Bors Hulesch, Captain – Brains&Cheek, BHBIA Sustainability Committee Chair and Board Director
• Lorna Kirman, Senior Director - Healthcare Research Worldwide (HRW)

 

Watch the webinar recording

If you didn’t attend live, we highly recommend watching the recording. It is an urgent and insightful conversation about the real scale of pharma’s carbon output and what our community can do to help drive the change. This recording is available exclusively to BHBIA members.

Watch now

 

Further resources

BHBIA Sustainability resource page
Read member stories and find more resources to support inclusive research

BHBIA Guiding Principles